Because of the damaging effects of stroke, many patients spend a period of time in an in-patient rehab facility in the period immediately following the incident. Eventually, most patients will transition out of the rehab facility and back to home. Although you may welcome the opportunity to have your loved one home again, it is important to plan carefully to make the transition as easy as possible. Hiring an in-home caregiver in Memphis to assist with transitional care can be enormously helpful. These tips will help you prepare for this new kind of care as well.
Identify the Goals
Although your loved one is leaving the rehab facility, he or she likely still needs to be engaged in a treatment plan. Decide on a set of short-term and long-term goals to help your loved one get stronger, and learn strategies you can use at home to support the progress. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy may be needed on an outpatient basis, so determine a schedule and find out if there are any exercises you should be doing between appointments. Make sure your in-home caregiver also understands these goals and how to help your loved one meet them.
Prepare the Home
The rehab center staff can explain to you the kind of care your loved one will need and offer advice about preparing your home for the transition. For instance, you may need to set up a bedroom downstairs for your loved one or remove trip hazards from walking paths through the home. The earlier you start preparing your home, the easier your job as caregiver will be and the safer your home will be for your loved one.
Ask for Help
During the transition, you will need help. Recognize that asking for help when you need it makes you a better caregiver. Explore your options, from having a family member take over care one day per week so you can do errands to hiring an in-home caregiver for assisted living services. Arranging help before your loved one returns home can ensure a smoother transition.